In the depths beneath Auckland's bustling Karangahape Rd, concealed behind a discreet door at St Kevin's Arcade, the five members of the local punk band, Dick Move, have convened for years at the dimly lit Whammy Bar. This clandestine space witnessed their intimate gigs, beer-fueled sessions, and profound 3 am discussions.
Yet, amid these underground rendezvous, another extraordinary item found its way onto their agenda – a momentous journey that nearly didn't materialize. Opening three shows for the Foo Fighters.
The socialist punk ensemble, comprising vocalist Lucy Suttor, guitarists Hariet Ellis and Justin Rendell, bassist Lulu Macrae, and drummer Luke Boyes, has been igniting crowds of no more than 700 for almost five years. Tonight, they stand on the cusp of their most significant gig, facing an estimated audience of 50,000.
Dick Move's music encapsulates the essence of punk spirit, delving into politics, social issues, privilege, and the accountability of powerful figures. "We make music about social and political issues... and we like to have fun while doing it," affirms Suttor.
Refusing to label themselves as mere musicians or activists, the band defines their craft as a fusion of both, drawing inspiration from real-world experiences. "The things we write about are the things we're talking about at the bar at 3 am [like] during the election," explains Suttor.
In an exclusive interview with 1News at their familiar haunt, Dick Move reflects on their journey, discusses the upcoming shows with the Foo Fighters, and contemplates what lies ahead after the stadium-sized mosh pits disperse and the 'foo' has been fought.
The roots of Dick Move run deep in the underground scene, with Macrae co-owning the venue and everyone, except Boyes, having worked there. The band's origin story began in 2019 when Ellis and Rendell recruited Macrae, their superior and a musical novice. Suttor, initially hesitant as a first-time band member, was eventually persuaded after an initial jam session.
The band, often humorously self-described as "just a couple of bass players," draws inspiration from a blend of '70s punk from the UK and modern Australian punk acts. As their musical skills progressed, so did the diversity and complexity of their songs.
Nearly two years ago, Dick Move received the thrilling news of opening for the Foo Fighters, only to have it retracted following the tragic death of the Foo Fighters' longtime drummer, Taylor Hawkins, in March 2022. The future seemed uncertain, and their shows were canceled.
However, a twist of fate occurred when session drummer Josh Freese was announced as Hawkins' replacement in May 2023. A new tour was unveiled, and Dick Move received a fresh invitation to join in, marking a revival of their dream.
As they gear up for the Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington shows with the Foo Fighters, Dick Move expresses excitement about the opportunity. They look forward to engaging with the rock superstar Dave Grohl, who has reportedly requested their records.
Post the New Zealand tour, Dick Move has bigger plans, including a European tour in June and July, marking their first venture outside of Australasia. Despite the prospect of playing larger gigs, the band remains grounded, expressing love for their low-key performances. They cherish these opportunities provided by big acts like the Foo Fighters, recognizing the importance of lifting up smaller performers in the industry.
Tonight, under the spotlight, Dick Move is set to captivate a colossal audience, a testament to their journey from the intimate Whammy Bar to the grand stage alongside rock legends.
Your Blogspot is like a breath of fresh air in the online world. Keep up the fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteThis post is a goldmine of information. I'll be revisiting it often.
ReplyDelete"Digital joyride in simplicity."
ReplyDelete"The 'Storytime Sessions' feature is a delightful way to present narrative content – bringing storytelling to life."
ReplyDeletevery hell full
ReplyDeleteThe storytelling approach in the blog posts is captivating
ReplyDelete